Who has the best voice in folk?

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: olddude
Date: 15 Mar 15 - 11:38 AM

Seamus Kennedy is right up there

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: babypix
Date: 15 Mar 15 - 11:22 AM

Uh, Larry Hanks!

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 15 Mar 15 - 08:16 AM

Eilis Kennedy
(here with Dingle White Females).

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 15 Mar 15 - 07:32 AM

Eva Tejedor [ Asturias, Spain ]
Janice Clark [ Aberdeen ]

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,silver
Date: 15 Mar 15 - 06:43 AM

Female: Julie Fowlis, Anne Hills and Debra Cowan have been mentioned, and I heartily agree. I'd like to add Padraigin Ni Uallachain, Anne Dodson, Sofia Karlsson and Sissel Kyrkjeboe.

Male: Gordon Bok is No.1, but Liam Clancy, Theo Bikel and Ed Trickett are also really good. Waylon Jennings and Don McLean both sang a few folk songs early on in their careers, and did it beautifully.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Musket
Date: 14 Mar 15 - 03:46 AM

I've always been a sucker for females voices in song.

From a folk perspective, that means Maddy Prior, June Tabor etc.

Last night, I saw Abi Moore for the first time and came away with a couple of her albums. Really good and definitely part of the future of folk and acoustic roots. Mind you, she shared a billing with the heritage of folk, Martin Carthy. He had a stinking cold but was still the unmistakable voice of the folk music I grew up with.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,azoic
Date: 14 Mar 15 - 02:11 AM

June Tabor and Olivia Chaney.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Don Stevens
Date: 13 Mar 15 - 10:05 PM

There were so any Great Ones. Many mentioned here.

My All-Time Favorite, was Burl Ives. Met him at Pete Seeger's, in 1948.

We have collected over 100 of His Albums, since 1957. All GREAT!

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: The Sandman
Date: 13 Mar 15 - 08:38 PM

MARTYN WYNDHAM READ.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Gealt
Date: 13 Mar 15 - 07:22 PM

Eleanor Shanley

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjgedX9IyVQ

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Dikanda
Date: 13 Mar 15 - 04:01 AM

Anna Witczak-Czerniawska from Dikanda. http://dariuszpuk.pl

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Andrea
Date: 12 Mar 15 - 10:52 PM

Terry Free... best trad singer for sure..

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: olddude
Date: 12 Mar 15 - 09:48 PM

Kendall ain't too shabby either he could sing

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Elmore
Date: 12 Mar 15 - 08:20 PM

Two guys, Len Chandler and Leon Bibb have voices that are too good, too strong, too trained for folk music. two women who sound like they were part of the early twentieth century and born to sing folk music are Elizabeth Laprelle and Sheila Kay Adams,

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: BobKnight
Date: 12 Mar 15 - 08:19 PM

Some strange choices - it's folk Jim, but not as we know it.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Joseph Scott
Date: 12 Mar 15 - 02:22 PM

Those who like McShee (already mentioned four times) and Denny need to listen to Gay Woods and Maddy Prior (already mentioned five times). Steeleye Span gets my vote as the best folk-rock group of all time, and in a way, nearly the _only_ folk-rock group of all time (nearly the only one that's real folk _and_ real rock).

It's something, if you listen to the lead vocal on "Hear My Call, Here" by the Staple Singers 1962, you can hear McShee thinking, now that I can sing like...

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Desi C
Date: 12 Mar 15 - 01:44 PM

Accordion to an audience member recently I DO

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Dave
Date: 12 Mar 15 - 11:25 AM

Good call by the previous guest (Vashti that is).

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,MikeL2
Date: 12 Mar 15 - 11:16 AM

Hi

For quality of voice combined with stage presence I would have no hesitation in selecting Nana Mouscouri. Spellbinding.

Also agree with others with Gordon Lightfoot, Emmylou Harris, Harvey Andrews.

The best voice I ever heard in a performance in a folk club ( opposed to in concert) was Fiona Simpson from Therapy. ( Dave Shannon as one of the best folk musicians.

Cheers

MikeL2

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST
Date: 12 Mar 15 - 08:09 AM

When I hear Vashti Bunyan, especially her "Train Song", all I can think of is - sex.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: r.padgett
Date: 12 Mar 15 - 04:22 AM

O forgot the magnificent voice of Australian, John Thompson of

Cloudstreet fame (and a Spooky man) and War Horse songman in Oz

incredible singer

Ray

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Capo da Monty
Date: 11 Mar 15 - 04:25 PM

I'm a bit upset no-one has voted for me yet!
Probably too old to cope with the fame and fortune that would go with it though..ha..ha

CdM

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Joseph Scott
Date: 11 Mar 15 - 03:11 PM

"Sandy Denny" Mentioned by ten people so far.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Joseph Scott
Date: 11 Mar 15 - 03:08 PM

Peg Leg Howell "Skin Game Blues"
Robert Wilkins "That's No Way To Get Along"
Sandy Denny "Tam Lin"

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Mar 15 - 02:57 PM

I'm sorry to hear that. I was there in 1970??71?? and saw/heard Jean Ritchie, Rev Gary Davis and Steeleye Span with Dave Swarbrick. My spine is still tingling from Gary Davis's "Twelve Gates to the City".

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 11 Mar 15 - 11:01 AM

As early as about the 4th or 5th Festival, I remember Eric Winter saying to me "The Cambridge WHAT Festival?". Things have gone down dizzyingly since, I daresay. So I wouldn't personally regard anyone's having appeared there as any sort of guarantee of folkhood.

≈M≈

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Mar 15 - 10:35 AM

If Van Morrison is a folk singer (which is open to question, but he has appeared at the Cambridge Folk Festival, possibly more than once)then he wins in the male category by a hundred miles.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: olddude
Date: 11 Mar 15 - 10:28 AM

Not Dylan

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 11 Mar 15 - 06:25 AM

It's also good to see that we have some great younger voices on the scene, especially here in Scotland: Siobhan Miller, Emily Smith, Robyn Stapleton, Ainsley Hamill and Claire Hastings to name but a few.

Anyone mentioned Alison McMorland? Or Sylvia Barnes?

And the late Sheila Stewart: not a "beautiful" voice, but a fantastic way of putting a song across.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,jim bainbridge
Date: 11 Mar 15 - 06:00 AM

I'd still go for Rambling Sid Rumpo

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Jacky
Date: 11 Mar 15 - 03:12 AM

There are some great young folk singers out there - heard Hannah Sanders the other day who blew my socks off although for some reason it's not quite the same on recordings or video.

This list is all about personal preference of course, but if you listen to Luke Kelly's speaking voice in recorded interviews it is just as beautiful, utterly mesmerising. That might be a good indicator of an exceptional voice.

Also I may have missed it but there doesn't seem to have been much mention of Margaret Barry - sweet and rough and raw and unmatchable. Those recordings from the 60s in the middle of packed pubs where you can hear nothing because she rooted the punters to the spot - that tells you something too.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Teribus
Date: 11 Mar 15 - 03:00 AM

Using the criteria mentioned by "CupOfTea - 10 Mar 15 - 06:49 PM

Best, in my book, is a singer who has expressive control of their entire vocal range, but lets the song take precedence over the singers chops."

Amazed looking through this thread to find no mention of the late and sadly missed Johnny Silvo - absolute Gentleman.

Johnny Silvo - "I'll Fly Away"

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: r.padgett
Date: 11 Mar 15 - 02:57 AM

Bob Fox, Sean Cannon, Julie Fowlis

Ray (check my CD! lol)

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 09:10 PM

Isn't it nice to think of all these wonderful singers? I've been listening to Robert Burns recordings lately, and I've found some lovely recordings by Rod Paterson and Jim Malcolm, and by Janet Russell and Gordeanna McCullough. Oh, and Karine Polwart. I don't know that Jim Malcolm's wife Susie has recorded much, but she certainly has a lovely voice - and she's a lovely person, too.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 08:06 PM

No bests from me, just honourable mentions. Sandy Denny, Julie Murphy, Luke Kelly, Shirley Collins for starters.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 07:31 PM

Lots there that I'd agree have great voices, some I wouldn't.
No mention yet, I think, of Cathy Jordan of Dervish, Sally Barker or Ralph McTell.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: CupOfTea
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 06:49 PM

Best, in my book, is a singer who has expressive control of their entire vocal range, but lets the song take precedence over the singers chops. To my ears Cindy Mangusen does this best, and Deb Cowan is right up there.

Male voices, I'd listen to Gordon Bok sing the shipping report (whoops, don't tell Les Barker that) with the warmth his voice has. Though he's primarily known as a opera star, Ben Luxon (when singing with the late Bill Crofut) sang some damnfine folk, bringing that powerhouse voice to bear. His version of "Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye" had hairs standing up straight from the most complete set of gooseflesh ever.

So those are the best I've heard live ('taint fair to make judgments from recordings), for the range of songs *I* listen to.

Joanne in Siberia on the Heights

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Dave the Gnome
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 05:20 PM

Funny thing, taste. I would not cross the road to listen to Kate Rusby - Nothing wrong with her, just not my cup of tea. Still, luckily, we are not all the same :-)

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 04:06 PM

I also really like Ed McCurdy, but as Cervantes said, "all comparisons are odious."

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: RBerman
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 03:53 PM

Ditto for Kate Rusby.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Acorn4
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 10:01 AM

Mick Ryan, Damian Barber, Kate Rusby, Niamh Parsons.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Mrr
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 09:45 AM

Ed McCurdy. Hands down, all day long. For men, at least. Linda Ronstadt, possibly, for women.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Iain
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 09:43 AM

For my money I would list Luke Kelly and Patsy Watchorn right at the top.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Jason Xion Wang
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 09:42 AM

One of my Chinese friends can hardly understand English at all, but he loves Phil Ochs - simply because of his voice.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,#
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 09:16 AM

Williston Angstworthy III.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Dave
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 09:13 AM

Jackson C. Frank was an excellent singer in his early days.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,gillymor
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 09:09 AM

Paul Brady

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Dave the Gnome
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 09:07 AM

Big Al Whittle

:D tG

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Blandiver (Astray)
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 08:58 AM

Yay! John Jacob Niles! That was me suggested that...

I'd also suggest Jack Langstaff:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmMEXXkVMIA

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 08:20 AM

Checking back thru thread, surprised to find but one mention of the great Jean Ritchie -- mine!

And very little of Robin Hall. Whatever one might think of the material he chose to perform, his actual vocal quality was unmistakeable.

≈M≈

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 08:02 AM

As was Dave Burland's Rosie Anderson. He seems to have been overlooked also.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 07:55 AM

Surprised that nobody seems to have nominated Tony Rose -- don't think so, anyhow. His performance of Sheath And Knife is one of the great tracks.

≈M≈

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Dave
Date: 10 Mar 15 - 05:47 AM

Another old thread, but I was surprised to see Anne Briggs mentioned only once. More than one of those mentioned above was inspired to take up singing by listening to her. And now that her early recordings are remastered and on a compilation CD ("A Collection") the clarity of her voice stands out. For instance compare her a-capella "She Moved through the Fair", or her recording of Johnny Moynihan's "Standing on the Shore" with later recordings by Cara Dillon (who, make no mistake, I regard a very fine singer indeed), and Anne Briggs' clarity stands out. Likewise the covers of Andy Irvine's arrangement of "Willie O' Winsbury/Fause Foodrage" by Anne Briggs and Jaqui McShee (again an extremely fine singer). Of the 60s and early 70s female vocalists, and many of them were very good, Anne Briggs stands out.

Two very good singers from that era whose work is nowhere near as well known as it should be are Anne Byrne from Ireland, and Janet Jones from Yorkshire. Both still working I think, though their back catalogues seem unavailable. Anne Briggs of course isn't still working, at least as a a singer, mores the pity.

Of the male voices Nic Jones was outstanding, and Johnny Moynihan in his early days had a very fine voice himself.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: gnu
Date: 29 May 11 - 07:08 PM

The last one that you heard that moved your soul? I'm just sayin...

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,silver
Date: 29 May 11 - 05:50 AM

How come no one has mentioned Pete Seeger? OK, OK, he no longer has a good voice, but on all the records he made in the 40s, 50s, 60s, and 70s! WOW!
Likewise Joan Baez, her voice has lost a lot, but in her prime, there was no one like her.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 11:50 AM

Eileen McGann

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 02:45 PM

John Jacob Niles

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Guest: Mal Waite
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 12:35 PM

Many thanks to Stuart Cook for mentioning my name in this context but I have to second his vote for Lorna Campbell. She was a huge influence on me back in the days of the Jug of Punch in Birmingham. For a male voice it has to be Stan Rogers.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Azoic
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 04:49 PM

Julie Covington,Lea Salonga,Rita Connelly.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,John Lamb
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 04:01 PM

All of you are wrong unless you've said Tom Waits as he has the best voice apart from Louis Armstrong and Rod Stewart who are equally as good and Jim Moray who comes a close second along with Shane Macgowan and Lemmy from The Motorheads.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 03:49 PM

Cindy Kallet, Lui Collins, Louis Killen

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: kendall
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 01:09 PM

I've never heard of many of them.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Peter (Guest)
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 01:08 PM

Many of the people mentioned are hardly 'folk' singers!
My best voices (livingare Muireann Nic Ambhlaoibh (Danu) - female, and Bob Fox - male

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 12:51 PM

Strange that no one has mentioned Tony Clifton so far... ;-)

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: number 6
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 10:59 AM

Eric Burdon

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: gnu
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 10:48 AM

Gosh. Reading through all the names is a process for me of saying, "Yeahhh, her/him too."

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 09:59 AM

Ed Miller, Ray Fisher, John Langstaff

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Richie Black (misused acct, bad email)
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 08:01 AM

Gordon Lightfoot.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: kendall
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 07:09 AM

Jim Reeves

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,jeff
Date: 26 Mar 11 - 02:37 AM

Forgot to mention the vastly underrated Mick Hanley and Priscilla Herdman. She recorded a song of mine on her Forgotten Dreams LP years ago for which I'm most appreciative.

Another guy who is REAL good is Jim Craig from Chicago. He owns a music store there called Hogeye Music and is very much a singer's singer. Golden voice, clear as a church bell. Sterling individual as well. Also, from Chicago Megan Mcdonough can break your heart she's SO good. Was in 4 Bitchin' Babes for a couple of tours.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Dad Perkins
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 10:20 PM

So glad someone mentioned, Stan Rogers, Archie Fischer AND Dick Gaughin. amazing singers and songwriters.

ARCHIE FISCHER PLAYS IN EAST LANSING MICHIGAN NEXT FRIDAY!!!! DRIVING SIX HOURS TO HEAR HIM!!!!!

I've never driven that far to hear a singer. just can't wait.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: BanjoRay
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 06:35 PM

Nobody seems to have heard Tim O'Brien....

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,glueman
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 05:59 PM

Interesting that Jim Causley lists Cyndi Lauper among the great folk voices. I was wondering only last week whether her touring companions Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson of the B52s might not have something of the shape note singer about them. Cindy's solo work sounds old Greenwich Village to these tabs:
Go Cindy

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 05:11 PM

James keelaghan

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 02:31 PM

I see 'voice' in the sense of this thread as being the over-all result of understanding/loving the material being presented and then presenting it well.

I think Stan Hugill is another 'best' voice in folk. Technically, his voice when he does shanties/chanteys is horrible BUT, I listen to his work and because of him have come to understand that the days of sail didn't require a Pavarotti to synchronize the heaves and hos. Thus, he's a 'best' singer, imo.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 02:01 PM

Other than the obvious difficulties one would have in answering the thread-title question, I posit that it's a matter of how we hear, listen and 'see' what the singer is about.

For example, I think Kendall is a 'best' singer. I really think he has the best sense of 'timing' and 'phrasing' in the music business. His ability to get a song across is quite outstanding. (His sense of humour on the other hand . . .).

to be continued

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: The Sandman
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 01:52 PM

john cage, he is a great inspiration for chorus singers

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 01:48 PM

Cristina branco.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Azoic
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 01:47 PM

June tabor followed closely by Karan Casey and niamh parsons.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 11:36 AM

Margaret Christl, Carol Noonan, Karan Casey, Jeanie Stahl, Susan McKeown, Evelyhe Beers, Ronnie Gilbert, David Jones.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: kendall
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 08:16 AM

Jean Redpath for sure.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 08:04 AM

Does anyone else remember that poem that Neville somebody wrote about Screaming Lord Sutch just after he died. It was in one of the quality broadsheets. I can't find it on the net.

I remember it as rather lovely and wished I'd wrote it.

It was all about his contribution to theatre in Rock music - his benefactors like Alex Harvey, and David Bowie of course.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST, Tom Bliss
Date: 25 Mar 11 - 07:12 AM

Chris Foster

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,henryp
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 08:01 PM

Quite right, Joe.

I'm just back from choir practice with Janet Russell and she does have an extraordinary voice.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: flush
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 05:23 PM

Judy Dinning is just great

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Doc John
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 04:45 PM

USA - Male: Cisco Houston
      Female: Hedy West
UK - Male: Nic Jones
    Female: Isla StClare

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 01:25 PM

Of females, the Basque woman who sang Eres Tu first.
Anne Byrne of Ireland

well, that is all I can think of for now. mg

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 01:19 PM

Well, Elmore, if you want to talk about Scottish women, let's add Janet Russell to your list.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,jeff
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 11:42 AM

There're so many.

My own personal favorites are Andy M. Stewart, Dick Gaughan, Paul Brady, Stan Rogers on the male side. Mary Black, Maura O'Connell, Eva Cassidy, and Loreena McKennitt on the female side.

These are people that never wear on my ears no matter how much I listen to them.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 11:41 AM

Jean Redpath

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 10:07 AM

Its funny how no one remembers Screaming Lord Sutch these days. Now there was a uniquely English voice....not in a poncy Noel Coward way, but he influenced loads of people.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Jim Causley
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 09:43 AM

This is a really interesting thread, it's fascinating seeing everyone's choices and tastes, plus it reminds me of singers i had forgotten about!

Some of my favourites are:

Mick Ryan
Norma Waterson
Joan Osborne
John Denver
Ron Taylor
Mary Anne Haynes
Queen Caroline Hughes
May Bradley
Jose Gonzales
Will Noble
Apmaro Sanchez
Julie Murphy
Eleanor McEvoy
Charlie Wills
Viv & Vic Legg
Ricky Nelson
Sid Kipper
Beyonce
Lal Waterson
Eliza Carthy
James Raynard
Mara Kiek
Dorothy Carter
Margaret Palmer
Dave Denford
Mary Humphries
Dave Fletcher
Mary Hampton
Keiron Means
Cyndi Lauper

I could go on!

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Patsy
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 09:26 AM

I first became aware of a liking for folk music was listening to Judith Durham singing Now the Carnival is Over. My father remembers that song from when he was a POW I believe it was either a Russian or Polish folk song.

Not in any particular order:-

1) Judith Durham
2) Joni Mitchell
3) Maddy Prior
4) Stevie Nicks
5) Buffy Sainte Marie
6) Julie Felix
7) Eddie Reader
8) Melanie (sort of?)
9) Linda Ronstadt
10) Sinead O'Connor
11) Karine Polwart
12) Art Garfunkal

Must get to listen to more:-

Sandy Denny
Christy Moore
Tom Paxton

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,bankley
Date: 24 Mar 11 - 08:52 AM

I like Tim Hardin and Fred Neil

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 03:35 PM

It keeps us interested Kitty :-)

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 03:28 PM

Fewer than a hundred, HK,

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 03:27 PM

It's all subjective, innit? And hasn't there been a similar previous thread?

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: C Stuart Cook
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 03:25 PM

Some fantastic choices! I'll bet Bernard Wrigley was surprised to get a mention.

Lorna Campbell had a voice that still comes back to me.

One of the best relatively unknown names would be Mal Waite- fantastic.

I have a CD by Heather Heywood that always amazes me when I play it.

Big Pete Rogers from the Taverners was most likely the finest male trad singer I've ever heard.

Big Lad from the Houghton Weaver - Tony is also extremely good.

I love Iris Dement, Joan Baez.

When Hallelujah was all the rage after the X factor I heard Julie Felix sing it - wonderful

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Mary Helsdon
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 09:35 AM

Sean O'Shea from The Claque has a soaring,creative voice.The best for me,by some way.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: kendall
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 08:04 AM

I just realized that I left out Stan Rogers. My bad.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: kendall
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 07:58 AM

Sara Grey and her son Kieron were here last night for a house concert. What a nice combo! Comes to voices, she is a real pleasure to listen to.His guitar accompaniment is just right too.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 06:50 AM

The perfect folk voice is the collective tradition that sings in many diverse yet equal tongues.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,glueman
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 05:46 AM

The perfect folk voice is a flawed thing. The mind behind it should be crystal clear, the noise it makes less so.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 23 Mar 11 - 05:36 AM

Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Mary Chapin Carpenter...just to list 3 prime choices. And there are hundreds of others one could name along that same line.

Never heard MCC; never seen the appeal in LC (though my father-in-law is a huge fan - used to listen to him when he was a monk...) and I find BD physically painful to listen to, though I confess to having loved his Theme Time Radio Hour. Hundreds of others, eh? I shudder at the thoughts, LH - though my wife routinely plays Judee Sill and Laura Nyro in the car, both of whom seem (to my ears) to occupy a similar ball park, though I could be wrong. Despite her sophicated approach JS seemed overly keen on pandering to the hippy zeitgeist, whilst LN has illusions of soul. Whilst her New York Tendaberry is a truly stunning piece of work I often wonder how things might have turned out if she'd seen eye to eye with Miles. The missus also listens a lot to Jane Siberry too, who's difficult to pin down though never less than fascinating, especially live, where her free-styling approach even within the context of long established songs is most gratifying!

When it comes to singer/songwriters though I go for Scott Walker (including Tilt and The Drift) and Robert Wyatt (as covered by The Unthanks) who are both amazing singers and well worth a mention here. Another great Folk Voice is Dave Cousins (a weakness from childhood I'm afriad) which gets better with age I think. In all three cases I might be moved to READ ALONG with their songs in the lyrics supplied, which function like subtitles maybe, but, as I say, though certain images get through, when I listen to a song I'm rarely bothered what it's actually about, more the actuall sound of the thing.

A classic case was Jaw Bone and the Air Rifle by The Fall, I lived with that for years without a clue. Then one day I stumbled across a book of Fall lyrics and it was a complete revelation. Can I quote a bit here?

The rabbit killer did not eat for a week
And no way he can look at meat
No bottle has he anymore
It could be his mangled teeth
He sees jawbones on the street
Advertisements become carnivores
And roadworkers turn into jawbones
And he has visions of islands, heavily covered in slime
The villagers dance round pre-fabs
And laugh through twisted mouths

Now that's what I call a lyric! Hey - I'd love to hear The Unthanks cover that on a future album - after Sea Song and Starless, what could be more appropriate than doing a song by The Fall?

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 06:32 PM

Luke Kelly
Ciaran Bourke
Ronnie Drew

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: kendall
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 06:10 PM

Hell yes, Deb Cowan.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: The Sandman
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 04:34 PM

Alistair Anderson

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Dad Perkins
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 04:33 PM

There's a young gal name of Joan Shelly from Louisville whose voice is off the damn charts. She's a newbie but will probably be a star. Great songwriter too WORDS AND ALL!

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 03:40 PM

ps - Norman Kennedy
    Lizzie Higgins

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,kenny
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 03:38 PM

Cara Dillon
Mae McKenna
John Moran
Tom Spiers
Alan Carr
Janice Clark
Rod Paterson
Bob Blair
Sylvia Barnes
Derek Williamson
Heather Heywood

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 02:37 PM

Another Mudcatter who has a terrific voice, is Deb Cowan. Rich and full, with perfect diction.

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 02:25 PM

Actually, pdq, I do think Bob Dylan had a great singing voice...from about 1961 right through to the early 90's...after that his voice lost most of its range and strength, but he had a killer voice when he was younger...absolutely powerful, visceral, and supremely effective for the material and style he was doing. Bruce Springsteen called it "the toughest voice I'd ever heard", and I tend to agree. Bob did not sing conventionally, he didn't sing to sound "pretty", but by God, he SANG! Yessiree.

I didn't bother mentioning Bob's voice before on this thread, because I knew it would just stir the usual Pavlovian responses from a lot of people who think he "can't sing", and I just didn't want to be bothered with that. ;-)

Now, as for Leonard Nimoy...and William Shatner...well, in those 2 cases you are talking about singing so extraordinary and unique that it can't really be compared to anything else except a double-decker bus being thrown through the side of the Toronto City Hall by a gigantic trebuchet...or something along that line. It's ineffable, incomprehensible, immeasurable singing, singing without peer, and it cannot be evaluated within normal reference points at all. Specially Shatner! ;-D Only an extended session of "We're Not Worthy" chanting can be considered an appropriate response.

Mrs Miller? Ummm...gee, I gotta check that out!

Chongo Chimp does NOT sing. Except maybe in the shower. He likes jazz and Big Band music a lot, though.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 02:11 PM

mg, Perhaps, upgrading your taste may be a solution......

GfS

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 02:10 PM

Too many too look back on now, and apologies if already mentioned, but I think Barbara Dickson, hasn't got a bad voice :-)

Lovely version of She moves thro' the fair from her.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 01:53 PM

I don't listen carefully to words either. I like to read them though. I catch phrases and sentences but I often don't really know exactly what the song is about if there is a story line. But I still like it quite well. I don't like great music with dumb lyrics, or bad translations etc. Best example is Oleana...horrible translated lyrics and probably not that great in Norwegian but the original fishing tune is glorious. For many people it is not a story thing but a sound thing so we listen to enough sound, which is words plus music, to I guess see if we like it.

I also don't like great words with poor tunes..best example for me, and I might not have heard the correct tune was about My heart's in the highland, following the deer etc..great words and not great tune in my opinion, but I could have heard the wrong tune. mg

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: pdq
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 01:51 PM

I don't think Little Hawk is being entirely honest.

I understand that his Top 10 list of "great voices" includes Leonard Nimoy, William Shatner, Bob Dylan, Mrs. Miller and Chongo Chimp!

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 01:45 PM

. . . and no one has mentioned Phyllis Diller!

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 01:41 PM

Suibhne Astray - "most of the words aren't worth hearing anyway"

Perhaps he should stick to humming his songs!

GfS

P.S................or whistling them!

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 01:35 PM

Suibhne Astray - "most of the words aren't worth hearing anyway"

Say WHAT???????????????????????? LOL!!!

Look, man, I only am interested in listening to songs in which the words are most definitely worth hearing, and I hear all of them all the time. There are people out there who are writing absolutely brilliant lyrics, and that is at least 50% of the reason for listening to their songs.

For example: Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Mary Chapin Carpenter...just to list 3 prime choices. And there are hundreds of others one could name along that same line.

If the words are no good, I'm not interested, unless I'm listening just for laughs. If the words are good, I am interested. If the music is good also, so much the better. It's great to hear an artist that hits on every level equally well.

Without words, we wouldn't even be talking about this. ;-D We'd just be howling, like my dog does when I play the harmonica. (and he does enjoy singing along, that's for sure, but he has no idea about the words)

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Dad Perkins
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 01:23 PM

you all heard Doug Paisley?
killer voice amazing songwriter.

For Female I'd have to go with Sandy Denny (early) or a combo of Maddy Prior and June Tabor in harmony on the record 'Silly Sisters'

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: kendall
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 01:20 PM

Definition of a good voice: Well modulated and always on key.Then, diction.
That lets out many singers, but in folk music a good voice is not necessary. Ronnie Drew sounds like he swallow a couple of grind stones but I like his singing.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 12:42 PM

Little Hawk, Stevie Nicks has(or used to have) sorta a cute' timber, in her voice, and that's what got her over, along with her 'Moon-child' persona. In the studios, especially the ones in Hollywood, she was referred to as 'Four Note Stevie'! 'Breathy' may be alright for female vocalists, but only to a degree, and only if used very sparingly..but for men, it is not so wonderful. One of the frustrating things about Stevie, is sometimes you don't know what she is singing! when, in time, people get tired of her 'act' or as she did, outgrow it, listeners relate to her voice in more of a nostalgic way, reminding them of THEIR youth, not because her voice alone, was all that great! You will notice that her later recordings, when she still tried to 're-live' her former persona, she sounds like a failing 85 year old great granny! Brittany Spears, has that same dilemma....and it just doesn't work. People would rather WATCH Brittany, than listen to her!..and Stevie had a bit of that, too.

GUEST,Suibhne Astray: "Maybe because singing isn't speaking and most of the words aren't worth hearing anyway,..."

One thing I STRESSED, to any vocalist coming up, is to be VERY selective on their material they wish to sing and perform!!!!!!!!!!!!
That has more to do, with who people like or dislike. Good material, is just as important, as the voice that delivers it, right Bob?(Dylan).

GfS

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: kendall
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 12:37 PM

Priscilla Herdman for sure.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 12:28 PM

For the heck of it, I just checked for worst voices in music, and a few of the people listed on this thread are on that.

Everyone to her own taste said the old lady when she kissed the cow.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 12:17 PM

Maybe because singing isn't speaking and most of the words aren't worth hearing anyway, and when they are, we already know them, so, as with a lot of vocal traditions the world over, especially classical ones, it just doesn't matter. A lot of rock & pop I listen to is pretty indecipherable too, as a lot of the stuff in other languages, but that's a seperate issue.

It certainly seems true that when it comes to Folkies, they love to hear those words! Personally, I never bother listening to them anyway - I only hear bit and bobs, the odd fragment here and there, then I'm lost once more in THE MUSIC, which is all that matters to me.

Rene Zosso is a great singer, as is Mark E. Smith; I can't understand either of them though for very different reasons.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: frogprince
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 12:17 PM

I see that Priscilla Herdman just got a deserved vote. Priscilla, Anne Hills, and Cindy Mangsen are all at the top of my list; then put them together, you get more than the sum of the parts, and any one of the parts is superb to start with.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 12:06 PM

Interesting points there, GfS. I think Stan Rogers was a very good male vocalist who got the most out of his voice...nothing "breathy" about Stan.

Stevie Nicks is a good singer in some respects...but she does not pronounce the words distinctly. Rather, she seems to blur the consonants and meld one thing to the next in a dreamy fashion and everything gets fuzzy and indistinct, so you can sometimes hardly even make out the words. I could never figure why she would do that. It doesn't help one bit in getting the words across to the listener. In other respects, however, I like her singing fine.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 11:58 AM

Even though I posted a couple of names, (one just for Michaelr), one COULD ask, "Who's got the best EAR, or taste, to pick the the 'best' voice in folk, or any style"...also, the MATERIAL has a whole lot to do with it. Certain voices just work better for one song, over another. The criteria I use, when using another vocalist, is can that person COMMUNICATE the lyrics, and do so believably. I just did a concert, where I used a female vocalist, and told her, (because the lyrics were strong), to just 'ride' the lyrics, pronounce every thing distinctly, and the song would 'go over'...which it did, so well, that there were people in the audience with tears running down their cheeks.

A few years back, I used to have breakfast, every weekday, with a man named Giorgio Tozzi , and his wife, Marti, (or Marty). Aside from his credits, he, and his wife were vocal coaches for Neil Diamond, Robert Plant, Frank Sinatra, and Barba Streisand, among others. Upon talking 'shop' with him, he said (which is etched in stone, as far as we were concerned), "The human voice is the ONLY instrument on the planet that pronounces WORDS, so, PRONOUNCE THE WORDS, DISTINCTLY, HOLDING ONLY THE VOWELS, AND 'BITING OFF' THE HARD CONSONANTS, AND DO NOT 'HIDE' BEHIND STYLE!!!!" This advice has been priceless, so I share it with you,(if you have ears to hear). If you take this to heart, and with discipline, employ it, you will be the winner. Also, Marty, (wife) threw in, "Sometimes male vocalists will try to sound 'breathy' to sound sexy, DON'T DO IT! IT'S NOT, IN FACT, JUST THE OPPOSITE"
This advice, especially for recording, is an absolute!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hey, you can't say I didn't do a lot of you a favor!

GfS

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Elmore
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 11:56 AM

Priscilla Herdman

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: tritoneman
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 11:10 AM

I really like Chris While's voice. Phil Beer's got a great voice and is an amazingly skilful singer too.

From the past, the singer for me was Martin Winsor. Superb sonorous, unforgetable voice.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Cllr
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 10:53 AM

me, I keep it in a little box in the attic. MWAaa haaaa haaaa

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 10:39 AM

I have always loved Steve Tilston's voice and his guitar work is superb.

I agree, saw him some years ago with his ex wife Maggie at Sutton Folk Club.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: olddude
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 10:31 AM

Way too many for me to go on with. I would add that Buffy Sainte-Marie does press my buttons. I do so love her voice

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: tritoneman
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 10:10 AM

I agree with Lizzie - The Claque.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 10:04 AM

LOL you been sitting there all day Richard, waiting to get the 100.

I have always loved Steve Tilston's voice and his guitar work is superb.

I especialy love his version of The Fisher Lad Of Whitby

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Teribus
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 09:58 AM

Male - Ian Bruce

Female - Judy Dinning

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 09:52 AM

100

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Ruth Archer
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 09:43 AM

"Nic is still alive -he just isn't singing any more. (well, not performing anyway)"

He will be on the 28 of May at the SouthBank's In Search of Nic Jones event. Not for the whole show, but should be enough to keep enthusiasts happy for a good long while to come.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Maryrrf
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 09:42 AM

I think anyone who posts to this thread realizes that such a 'list' is entirely subjective. I too have seen singers mentioned thatI don't like at all, those whom I appreciate very much but who don't really have a good 'voice' in my opinion and those who definitely have beautiful voices. I agree with the comment that there may be even more beautiful voices out there that haven't been recorded and are only being heard in limited circles - small clubs and coffeehouses. But there's no harm in a thread like this as long as we don't start to fight amonst ourselves about "What is Folk".

Of course it isn't all about the quality of the voice - there are folk singers that don't have good voices but they can deliver a song skillfully and effectively - that's more important than a good voice. It doesn't hurt to have both the voice AND the delivery though!

Someone mentioned Liam Clancy. I agree, and would add the late Tommy Makem. And, it's still folk, I think - the Fado singer Amalia Rodrigues. For voice quality and delivery it's hard to beat her.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: bobad
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 09:40 AM

Tim Hardin
Tim Buckley

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 09:25 AM

As a general statement, I disagree with thread titles of this nature. The notion of best in music is personal--subjective and not objective. I started one myself years back along the lines of the best rock and roll song ever, and it got cluttered with people's top ten choices.

However, it's Mudcat, and nothing is sacred.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: kendall
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 09:18 AM

If we include country singers, Slim Whitman has a very good voice. I have never cared for most of his material but his voice is among the best.
Archie Fisher too.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Gail
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 09:15 AM

GUEST (no name):   June Tabor hasn't been forgotten! She's mentioned at least 8 times in the above posts. I only noticed because she's someone who is highly respected but who I don't really enjoy.

What's really striking to me is that some singers I love appear in the same lists as some singers I can't stand. Seems odd somehow.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 08:55 AM

Note that there are at least a few Canadians in the list!

Also note that very few of the top names mentioned are those of singers who popularized folk music in the great folk scare of the 60's

Except Joan Baez & Jacqui McShee & Sandy Denny.
There are only a few early albums of Judy Collins' where she sings on key for a whole song. Well Glenn Yarbrough, Burl Ives were mentioned too.

Here's what has been forgotten or overlooked..

2 of my top favorites:
Fred Neil - mentioned by none
Maddy Prior - mentioned once

Forgotten but great voices with a large recorded discography:

A.L. Lloyd
Ewan Maccoll
Maria Muldaur
June Tabor
Tom Rush

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Dave Sutherland
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 08:54 AM

I have to agree with the Good Soldier several posts above and to that end I include A.L.Lloyd

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 06:49 AM

Buddy Miller
Julie Miller

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: harmonic miner
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 06:19 AM

Dick Gaughan
Emmylou Harris
(in alphabetical order!)

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,glueman
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 05:09 AM

Eliza C, June Tabor, Triona, Nellie Andreeva.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: PatrickRyan
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 01:12 AM

Ronnie Drew

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 22 Mar 11 - 12:24 AM

Let's not forget Art Garfunkel!

GfS

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,joe b
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 11:16 PM

was directed to this site by another music discussion group, interesting posts.

However, if the subject is 'folk music voices' how could no one mention Dylan? Who has several great voices to choose from.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Stewie
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 10:42 PM

A few of my favourites:

Sean Keane
Archie Fisher
Roy Bailey
Danny Spooner
Sean Tyrrell
Eleanor Shanley
Hoyt Axton
Tom Rush
Gordon Bok

--Stewie.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 10:30 PM

Obviously ce, you are unaware of the Childe Ballad, 'Lesbian Lo'. Which, as I recall, went:-

Oh Lesbian Lo, Oh lesbian Lo
I aked for a shag
But you answered me, "No!"

Some people say that Dominc Behan based his song 'Liverpool Lou' on this ancient ballad, but I reckon that's wild talk.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 07:31 PM

John Thompson of Cloudstreet also tops my list.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Allen in Oz
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 07:23 PM

Ah yes Marty Robins


Joan Baez
Emmylou Harris

AD

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Rolen
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 06:10 PM

Marty Robbins should be mentioned, if you consider cowboy music to be folk.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 05:58 PM

Indeed.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 05:53 PM

Bugger. OK, thread reopened. Irish, Luke. English bloke, Nic. English woman, Sandy. Yank, Woody. OK. Thread reclosed.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,bonzo3legs
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 05:28 PM

Rod Paterson, Nic Jones and Steve Knightly.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Michael
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 05:25 PM

Yes, Sorry about that, It should have said 'Still performing'.
Apologies to Nic too.

Mike

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Vic Smith
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 02:41 PM

"of all time; Nick Jones, still living; Martin Wyndham-Read"

Nic is still alive -he just isn't singing any more. (well, not performing anyway)

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 02:32 PM

Got to agree with Richard Bridge (apart from his mention of me of course, although I'll try and learn more Folk songs) that Ian Bruce is the voice for me. Try here http://www.ianbruce.org/pages/albums/albums.htm, look for Alloway Tales, and then go to 'Auld Lang Syne' - just sublime. Female for me is Chris While, just heaven.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Michael
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 01:50 PM

Female;
of all time; Sandy Denny, still living; Fay Hield

Male;
of all time; Nick Jones, still living; Martin Wyndham-Read

Mike

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 01:50 PM

Seems to me that folk singers can get away with voices that are less than extraordinary - it's the telling of the story and the way it's told that often are more important than musical quality.

Did Aunt Molly Jackson have a beautiful voice? No.
But wasn't she a marvelous folksinger?

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 01:49 PM

I am going to answer this question in a specific way.

a) I am going to exclude all the performers who are no longer alive.

b) I am also going to exclude those performers who are still with us and actively performing but whose voices are way past their prime.

Best Folk Male Vocalist - JUDE ROBERTS from Rosendale, NY

Best Folk Female Vocalist - MARA LEVINE from Milltown, NJ

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: kendall
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 01:33 PM

I've always liked Johnnie Cash even if he did wander off key.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 01:20 PM

Gordon Bok
Kendall Morse
Harvey Andrews
Sara Grey
Caroline Paton
Lisa Null
Dick Miles
Richard Atkins

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 12:46 PM

Who?

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Alan Sellers
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 12:28 PM

John Stewart

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: The Sandman
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 12:17 PM

best voice does not necessarily mean best singer

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Arthur_itus
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 11:59 AM

There are so many people I like in the folk world and many of them have very good voices, but if I had to name 4 people who are still alive, then I would have to go for these, becuase of their pureness of voice (is that an acceptable term?).

Where Ravens Feed - Martyn Wyndham-Read

Dave Fletcher Miracle Of Life

Cara Dillon - Garden Valley

I'm Looking for my own Lone Ranger - Judy Dinning

There are many more but hey you can't mention them all. :-)

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Hi Lo
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 11:56 AM

I gues they would be the ones I most listen to.. Ladies first

June Tabor, Norma Waterson, Maddy Prior, Samdy Denny, Joan Baez, The Macgarrigle Sisters,Delores Keene. Sinead O'Connor

The Gentlemen; Nick Jones, Stan Rogers, John Stewart, Tom Rush (at times) Nick Drake..

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 11:35 AM

Thank you guest cg. Bonzo3legs, your comment was just wrong and disappointing.

It is fine if you don't like the low husky voice on women, then say it just that way. Applying what you deem to be a lifestyle insult is out of order.

I once had the high soprano voice. My voice (what's left of it) is now at the very low quite gravelly range. Guess what? My sexual preferences have not changed with the voice change.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,EnglishFolkfan
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 11:33 AM

'Best' doesn't figure when forming my musical opinion but two mature voices who consistently move me to tears of joy and sorrow:

June Tabor

Chris Wood

I am just grateful there are many many more wonderful singers out there who bring me hours of pleasure listening to their recordings and, even better, seeing them live. The stream of upcoming young performers means there will be new voices to delight us, what a great prospect for this genre. :)

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Erich
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 11:27 AM

Cyril Tawney
Bill Price
Martin Winsor
Mick Ryan (to mention at least one, who is still alive).

Someone mentioned Norman Stewart, is he still around?? I have two fine LPs with him and I appreciate him very much. I tried to google his name but I did not find any trace of him.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,cg
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 11:12 AM

Fine. I can't stand prejudiced little oiks who fail to understand that vocal pitch has nothing to do with sexuality.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 11:05 AM

Can't stand female singers who sing lesbian low.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Butcher Mitchell
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 10:18 AM

Anne Briggs
Bess Cronin
Jimmy McBeath
Nimrod Workman
Betty Stevens
Stewart Leslie Goddard
Mike Waterson
Lal Waterson
Alasdair Roberts

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: David Shevelew
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 10:13 AM

Male- Chris Wood, Nic Jones, Jim Causley

Female- June Tabor, Cara Dillon, Sandy Denny

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: alex s
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 10:09 AM

Tommy Makem, Luke Kelly, Sandy Denny, Vin Garbutt

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: kendall
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 09:45 AM

My oldest best friend, Gordon Bok
Harvey Andrews
Sara Grey
Caroline Paton
Lisa Null
Seamus Kennedy
Richard Atkins

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 09:41 AM

Here is my list of bests (not in any particular order):
a. Phil Ochs
b. Julie Murphy (of Fernhill)
c. Andy Stewart (of Silly Wizard)
d. Connie Dover
e. Cara Dillon
f. Karine Polwart
g. Janis Joplin

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 08:39 AM

A third female from me would be Anita Carter. Probably the all time best country voice!

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 08:30 AM

Oops, forgot Martyn Wyndham-Read!
On my way to the naughty chair right now! :0)

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: BobKnight
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 08:22 AM

Without wishing to start a "what is folk music?" debate, I don't see half the people already mentioned as folk artists. I love Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, but folk artists, nah!!

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 08:19 AM

I see the incomparable June Tabor already has a following on this thread.

I'm surprised to see no mention of Ian Bruce. I do think of him as "the voice" of the UK circuit. Mike Nicholson has a superbly resonant baritone with lovely colours in.

Harmony - Capella (Lesley and Tony Petty). Tony's unmannered and happily non-operatic tenor soars over Lesley's female almost baritone in a very striking combination.


At a local level John Barden's voice would surely stand out in Kent. I wish he sang more folk songs though.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: freda underhill
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 08:12 AM

Men - Nic Jones, Sean Keane, Martyn Whyndham-Read

Women - Kate Delaney
,Chloe Roweth,Judy Pinder, Christine Wheeler,(all from Oz :-))

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Backwoodsman
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 07:52 AM

IMHO, no-one has the 'best' voice because everyones' ears differ.

My personal favourites would be:-

Male - Stan Rogers, Jack Hudson, Bob Fox, Dave Fletcher, Allan Taylor.
Female - June Tabor, Joni Mitchell, Flossie Malavialle, Eddi Reader, Karen Matheson.

Whether they're the 'best' is a matter of opinion. I my opinion, they are. :0)

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 07:46 AM

Indeed June Tabor; & Maddy Prior ~~ +++ the two of them together as Silly Sisters.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Desi C
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 07:42 AM

I'm sure the choics will run into many hundreds, but mine off the top of my head, both living and not

Luke Kelly
Townes Van Zandt
June Tabor
Bob Dylan
Lorna Cambell
Paddy Reilly
joan Biaz
Cyril Tawney
Pete Seeger
Hank Williams
Johnny Cash

If I could only listen to one again it'd be Luke Kelly

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 07:35 AM

Polly Bolton
Chris While
Kelly While

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: I don't know
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 07:14 AM

John Wright
Sylvia Kelly
Terry Emm
Jon Brindley
Annie (from Essex singers, sorry i don't remember last name)
Matt Shenks
Jackie Leven - best songwriter in my opinion as well.
Plus many of the others mentioned above, it all depends what & where they are singing live/recorded.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 06:30 AM

I miss her too, Tam..maybe one day she'll sneak into the Library and come back here.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 06:15 AM

Crowsister moved house and resolved to attempt a technology free life for a while. She has even taken down her Myspace page.

I have sent a couple of texts, but no reply, making me think she even gave up her mobile phone.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Suibhne Astray
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 05:42 AM

The best Folk voices I know are a few in sessions and singarounds who I'm sure won't thank me for mentioning them here.

I'll second VT on CS as well - her version of Sir Richard's Song was second to none, Bellamy's included.

We were listening to Judee Sill all yesterday in the car; we like Laura Nyro too; and Gillian Welch. I love Ollie Gilbert and Mrs Pearl Brewer, both of whom you can hear on the Max Hunter archive (search for Pearl Brewer under Mrs!).

Revival : Peter Bellamy and Jim Eldon

Tradition: Phil Tanner and Davie Stewart.

Best female Folk Voice of all time bar none : Esme Ryder

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 05:38 AM

Agree, Al ~~ Sandy Paton whom I list above always sounded better live than on vinyl. I too included Ronnie Drew above with an 'if you like that sort of thing' conditional...

~M~

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Acorn4
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 05:37 AM

Of those still performing, I think Mick Ryan takes a lot of beating.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Alan Whittle
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 04:48 AM

I like characterful voices - Bernard Wrigley, the late Tony capstick, Ronnie Drew, Lightnin' Hopkins, Christy Moore, Bob Dylan.

I always used to love Derek brimstone's 'schtick' between songs. Capstick once said to me of Derek, that voice is SO funny......

Some voices record better than they are live. Nic Jones always seemed like that to me.

Some voices are better live than they are recorded. Una Walsh from No Fixed Abode has that great 'the party starts here' quality that somehow the recordings never seem to capture.

Probably the best singer of trad material I ever heard was Fred Jordan, the best contemporary - jack hudson.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 04:12 AM

And of course...

The Young Coppers
The Older Coppers
The Young 'uns
Jackie Oates

And..of course, of COURSE..

Jim Causley! Yay!
Jim 'n' Jackie with Tuesday Morning on a Monday morning

But then...there's also Barry Lister and all his mates...
The Claque

and.......and...............

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Lizzie Cornish 1
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 04:02 AM

Coope
Boyes
&..Simpson

John Tams
John Jones
Dougie Maclean
Bob Copper..and his family
Sandy Denny
Eliza Carthy
Ron Bankley
Bruce Murdoch
Eddi Reader


And of course....The Middle Bar Singers... :0)


An early morning treat....yes, even better than an early morning love making session.. ;0)
Coope Boyes & Simpson - The Cool of the Day

Ohhhhhhhh....    :0)

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 04:02 AM

Virginia, Where is she?

GfS

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 03:40 AM

Crowsister... I miss her.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Steve Hunt
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 03:22 AM

The voice of the people :-)

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Bert
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 03:21 AM

Of course you don't need a good voice to be good. Like Louis Armstrong or Jimmy Durante.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Bert
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 03:15 AM

If it is voice you want you must listen to Oliver McElhone.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 03:03 AM

To Michaelr,
Just in case you haven't heard this before....Here's a Karen Matheson piece I thought she kicked ass on!!!:

Karen Matheson, singing with 'Secret Garden'

Enjoy!!!!

GfS

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Marcus
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 02:56 AM

still singing - Jim Moray & Joanna Newsom

not singing - Louis Armsrong & Shirley Collins

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Tim Chesterton
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 02:28 AM

Kind of a subjective question, especially as the best voice in folk probably isn't a recorded one, but some unknown local artist who sings in coffee shops and pubs in some obscure place!!!

For recorded voices, for women at the moment I'd say Eliza Carthy, closely followed by Olivia Chaney and Bella Hardy.

For men - Nic Jones all the way.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: babypix
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 01:09 AM

OMG! It HAS to be Larry Hanks.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 12:40 AM

... and for that fine dramatic ringing bass Theo Bikel

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 12:33 AM

Yeah, Ewan McColl was great. I haven't heard the others.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 12:26 AM

Going back to formative 50s ~~ Robin Hall Ewan MacColl Sandy Paton inhisway:Seamus Ennis likewise:Tommy Makem Isla Cameron ......

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 12:21 AM

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: PHJim
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 12:18 AM

Karen Dalton
Geoff Muldaur
Hayes Carll


GUEST999 mentioned Wil Maring. I'm a fan of hers as well.

Once again, if you asked me tomorrow, you might get a different answer.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 12:15 AM

Jean Ritchie Joan Baez Dick Gaughan[but diction dodgy] Peter Bellamy(IYLTSOT) Ronnie Drew(ditto) Heather Wood Norma Waterson +++++++

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 12:09 AM

And how can I not mention Denny Doherty? I suppose I would rate him #3 but music is not a contest, and I have not touched the "country" limb of the folk tree. Each is great in their own way!

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: J-boy
Date: 21 Mar 11 - 12:01 AM

The voice you like the best.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 11:42 PM

Oh yeah, I forgot about Ian Tyson and Gordon Lightfoot, both wonderful singers in their prime.

Liam Clancy was also a superb singer.

Fine, yeah, it's "Emmylou" Harris.

Mary Chapin Carpenter is not only a wonderfully expressive singer, she's quite possibly the finest songwriter of all time...although it's really impossible to narrow that down to any one person. At any rate, she's as good at it as anyone ever will be, IMO.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Maryrrf
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 11:42 PM

Maybe she should be classified as folk rock, but I'd put Sandy Denny at the top of the list.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Sandy Mc Lean
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 11:33 PM

I will state my favourites but this is very subjective:
       Male: Liam Clancy with Stan Rogers a close second.
       Female: Judith Durham with Catherine Mac Kinnon a close second.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Effsee
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 11:31 PM

Rod Paterson, closely followed by Norman Stewart!
Not that I'm a biased Scotsman of course!

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: ollaimh
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 11:11 PM

oh yeah, billy jackson on the ossian cd/album saint kildas wedding. nothing against tony cuffe but jacksons gaelic singing is wonderfull

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,David E.
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 11:07 PM

In My Opinion...

Male: Bob Fox
Female: Jacqui McShee

David E.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: ollaimh
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 10:54 PM

in the pop folk world no one equals joni mitchell, no one, she's so flexible and has such range and tonal quality.and her lyrics are among the few who soar to real sytand alone poetry. her and leonard cohen. i also love ferron, she has a movie out called "girl on a road" that's so real about the struggles of a metis francophone from a poor and broken family , and it;s transcendant in its insight poetry and performances.

in the trad world i love teressa doyle, anita best and pamela morgan. that's among the maritimers.they are great. if you can get teressa doyle's "prince edward osle adieu" album or pamela morgan's "ancestral songs" they are two of the best folk albums ever made--so good i do a salam bow and a "we are not worthy' we are not worthy"

among the traditional over seas,

dick gaughan, mick hanly, patsy seddon, mary macmasters, are also among the best. mick hanly's two early record"a kiss in the morning early' and "over black water" are not to be missed and seddon and macmaster in sileas and especially in poozies are also fabulous.

and then gord and ian .gordon lightfoot and ian tyson have it all aswell. gord's two cd greatest hit remix is a can't miss and cowboyography is the best western music album of the modern era.

there are my biases clear!

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: pdq
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 10:47 PM

Pleeze...her name is EMMYLOU Harris...and she has an OK voice. Great singer, OK voice.

Jackson Browne is an OK singer and he wrote some great songs, but he ain't a great voice. Neither is Joni Mitchell.

And Paul Robeson...very powerful bass voice, but folksinger? He was in the musical Showboat. Oh, that great folksong hero Jerome Kern...well, Jerry Garcia was named after Kern, so that is almost folk...well, maybe not...

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Beer
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 10:26 PM

Joni Mitchell
Judy Collins
Emmie Lou Harris
Linda Ronstadt

I'm cutting and pasting from L.H. because i completely agree with the top 4 he mentioned.
Ad.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: michaelr
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 10:08 PM

The divine Karen Matheson. Best voice in the world.

Runner-up, Eddi Reader.

Men? I rarely listen to male singers anymore. But Brian Kennedy has a gorgeous set of pipes.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 09:59 PM

You mean the Biblican Luke? I didn't know he even sang.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 09:53 PM

Luke.



Thread closed.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 09:40 PM

Joan Baez
Stan Rogers
Jackson Browne (folk?...well, sort of)
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Joni Mitchell
Judy Collins
Emmie Lou Harris
Linda Ronstadt


...and that's just a start.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: RunrigFan
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 09:40 PM

The only singers I know are

Julie Fowlis

Kathleen Macinnes

Tannas

Donnie Munro

Dougie Maclean

Maggie Carchrie

Mary Jane Lamond

I'm sure theres more :)

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: pdq
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 09:27 PM

Glenn Yarbrough, Burl Ives and John Duffey are very different singers, but all great voices.

Linda Ronstadt has a great voice but seldom knows what to do with it.

Jo Stafford did a record of folk music in about 1950. Still sounds great.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 09:18 PM

Wil Maring


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6uNSR4f4DQ&feature=player_detailpage

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Morgana
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 09:08 PM

Well, the best voice I've heard is Judy Collins. I heard a recent recording of her at Newport, and she still sings beautifully. But this doesn't necessarily mean I like her songwriting or her music the best. For the best songs, I'd have to say my favorite is Phil Ochs.

Subject: RE: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: saulgoldie
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 08:43 PM

You didn't specify living, so...

Joan Baez
Glen Yarborough
Mary Travers
John Denver
Jacqui McShee
Sean McGhee
Doris Justis
Paul Robeson

Top o my head. I am sure I can think of more.

Saul

Subject: Who has the best voice in folk?
From: GUEST,Azoic
Date: 20 Mar 11 - 08:27 PM

I know that this is an oversimplified question but I'd like to know who your fave singers are?